The Elderly Psychiatric Patient with Positive Syphilis Serology: The Problem of Neurosyphilis

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishwer L. Bharwani ◽  
Charles O. Hershey
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Syphilis Serology ◽  
Latent Syphilis

Objective: Older patients have a high prevalence of neurological and psychiatric disorders. They also have a baseline prevalence of late latent syphilis or positive syphilis serology. Thus the clinical question arises as to whether a neuropsychiatric disorder in a geriatric patient is neurosyphilis or if the positive serology is incidental. Method: An illustrative case example is used to illustrate this dilemma. The relevant literature is reviewed. Results: The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein is an important indicator of inflammatory activity in the central nervous system and is used as a clinical guide in the diagnosis. Elderly patients have higher values of normal CSF protein than younger patients. Conclusions: Given the importance of CSF protein in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis, physicians must include this knowledge, that elderly patients have higher CSF protein values, in their clinical decision making in the differentiation between neurosyphilis and late latent syphilis in the elderly patient.

scholarly journals Correction to: COVID-19 and the elderly patients: insights into pathogenesis and clinical decision-making

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 1909-1909
Author(s):  
Fabio Perrotta ◽  
Graziamaria Corbi ◽  
Grazia Mazzeo ◽  
Matilde Boccia ◽  
Luigi Aronne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
The Elderly

How to Evaluate Clinically Relevant Literature: Five Simple Rules for the Practicing Clinician in Stroke Neurorehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Sanching Tsay ◽  
Carolee Winstein
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Balance Sheets ◽  
Neural Connections ◽  
Recovery Processes ◽  
Immediate Recovery ◽  
Simple Rules ◽  
Busy Clinician ◽  
New Generation

Neurorehabilitation relies on core principles of neuroplasticity to activate and engage latent neural connections, promote detour circuits, and reverse impairments. Clinical interventions incorporating these principles have been shown to promote recovery while demoting compensation. However, many clinicians struggle to find evidence for these principles in our growing but nascent body of literature. Regulatory bodies and organizational balance sheets further discourage evidence-based, methodical, time-intensive, and efficacious interventions because practical needs often outweigh and dominate clinical decision making. Modern neurorehabilitation practices that result from these pressures favor strategies that encourage compensation over those that promote recovery. With a focus on helping the busy clinician evaluate the rapidly growing literature, we put forth five simple rules that direct clinicians toward intervention studies that value more enduring but slower biological recovery processes over the more alluring practical and immediate “recovery” mantra. Filtering emerging literature through this critical lens has the potential to change practice and lead to more durable long-term outcomes. This perspective is meant to serve a new generation of mechanistically minded clinicians, students, and trainees poised to not only advance our field but to also erect policy changes that promote recovery-based care of stroke survivors.

scholarly journals Challenges in treatment of renal echinococcosis with gross hydatiduria and unsalvageable kidney: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameera Shuaibi ◽  
Abdelrahman AlAshqar ◽  
Munirah Alabdulhadi ◽  
Wasl Al-Adsani
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Renal Involvement ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Grape Skin

Abstract Introduction Renal echinococcosis is of rare occurrence, and although often asymptomatic, it can present with various mild to drastic presentations, of which hydatiduria is pathognomonic. Diagnosis can be preliminarily established by imaging, and treatment is primarily surgical. We present a patient with renal echinococcosis treated successfully with exclusive antiparasitic pharmacotherapy after refusing surgery despite extensive renal involvement. We hope through this report to help establish future solid guidelines regarding this uncommon therapeutic approach. Case presentation This is a case of a 49-year-old Syrian shepherd presenting with flank pain and passage of grape-skin-like structures in urine. A diagnosis of renal echinococcosis with hydatiduria and significant parenchymal destruction was established based on exposure history, positive serology, imaging findings, and renal scintigraphy. After proper counseling, the patient refused nephrectomy and was therefore started on dual pharmacotherapy (albendazole and praziquantel) and is having an uneventful follow-up and a satisfactory response to treatment. Conclusion This case embodies the daily challenges physicians navigate as they uphold the ethical principles of their practice and support their patients’ autonomy while delivering the best standards of care and consulting the scientific evidence. Although surgery is the cornerstone of renal echinococcosis treatment, treating physicians should be prepared to tackle situations where surgery cannot be done and offer the best next available option for patients who refuse surgery. As data on exclusive pharmacotherapy are limited, future research should thoroughly investigate the efficacy of this uncommon approach and outline reliable recommendations, facilitating future clinical decision-making in this avenue.

scholarly journals Quality of life of elderly patients with solid tumours undergoing adjuvant cancer therapy: a systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e018101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karis Kin-Fong Cheng ◽  
Ethel Yee-Ting Lim ◽  
Ravindran Kanesvaran
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Adjuvant Therapy ◽  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Solid Tumours

ObjectivesThe measurement of quality of life (QoL) in elderly cancer population is increasingly being recognised as an important element of clinical decision-making and the evaluation of treatment outcome. This systematic review aimed to summarise the evidence of QoL during and after adjuvant therapy in elderly patients with cancer.MethodsA systematic search was conducted of studies published in CINAHL plus, CENTRAL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science from the inception of these databases to December 2016. Eligible studies included RCTs and non-RCTs in which QoL was measured in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above) with stage I–III solid tumours who were undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Because of the heterogeneity and the insufficient data among the included studies, the results were synthesised narratively.ResultsWe included 4 RCTs and 14 non-RCTs on 1785 participants. In all four RCTs, the risk of bias was low or unclear for most items but high for detection. Of the 14 non-RCTs, 5 studies were judged to have a low or moderate risk of bias for all domains, and the other 9 studies had a serious risk of bias in at least one domain. The bias was observed mainly in the confounding and in the selection of participants for the study. For most elderly patients with breast cancer, the non-significant negative change in the QoL was transient. A significant increase in the QoL during the course of temozolomide in elderly patients with glioblastoma but a decreasing trend in QoL after radiotherapy was shown. This review also shows a uniform trend of stable or improved QoL during adjuvant therapy and at follow-up evaluations across the studies with prostate, colon or cervical cancer population.ConclusionsThis review suggests that adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy may not have detrimental effects on QoL in most elderly patients with solid tumours.

Abstract WP331: Does Successful Reperfusion Mean Successful Outcome in Elderly Stroke Patients?

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber N Ruiz ◽  
Agnelio Cardentey ◽  
WT Longstreth ◽  
David L Tirschwell ◽  
Claire J Creudtzfeldt
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Successful Outcome ◽  
Good Outcome ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Background: Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) suggest a benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) even for individuals ≥ 80 years of age; however, this population has not been consistently included in RCTs, and the eldest (≥85 years) are underrepresented. Small observational studies suggest that elderly patients experience a higher proportion of in-hospital complications, mortality, and poor functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Scale Score (mRS) ≥4. While MT is generally recommended in this population, little is known about how decisions are made to undergo MT or subsequently to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatments (WoLST). The goal of this study was to describe a single center experience of elderly patients who underwent MT. Methods: We identified all patients admitted to our comprehensive stroke center from June 2016 - June 2018 who were ≥85 years old and underwent successful MT, defined as TICI 2a to 3. We collected data from the electronic medical record, including WoLST. A good outcome was defined as a mRS of 0-2 at 90 days. Results: We identified a total of 29 patients with successful MT with a mean age of 88.4 years (SD=3.6); 66% were women. Only one patient (3.4%) achieved a good outcome, while 65.5% died (see figure). Among decedents, 47.4% expired during their initial hospitalization, while 15.8% were discharged to hospice. A decision for WoLST was made in 11 patients, 88.9% of in-hospital decedents. Discussion: In our retrospective study of 29 elderly patients who underwent successful MT, only one achieved good functional outcome, and most died in the setting of WoLST. These observations may raise the question about the appropriateness of MT in this cohort, emphasizing the need for further research aimed (1) to identify determinants of outcome and MT success specific to elderly MT candidates and (2) to better understand the process of clinical decision making for this growing, vulnerable population of elderly patients.

scholarly journals COVID-19 and the elderly: insights into pathogenesis and clinical decision-making

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1599-1608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Perrotta ◽  
Graziamaria Corbi ◽  
Grazia Mazzeo ◽  
Matilde Boccia ◽  
Luigi Aronne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
The Elderly

Pharmacological management of acute severe behavioural disturbance: a survey of current protocols

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick O’Connor ◽  
John Corish
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Clinical Knowledge ◽  
Behavioural Disturbance ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Pharmacological Management ◽  
New Evidence ◽  
Careful Assessment

Objectives: The investigators reviewed protocols for the pharmacological management of acute severe behavioural disturbance (ASBD) used in Australasian psychiatric settings. Relevant literature was also examined, with a focus on Australian research. Methods: All Fellows of the RANZCP were emailed on two occasions in 2014 requesting a copy of the guidelines for pharmacological management of the ASBD patient used in their workplace. A literature search was also undertaken. Results: Thirty-six pharmacological management protocols for the ASBD patient were received. Twenty-six of these referred to patients aged 18–65 years and were selected for analysis. A number of recent publications provided new evidence in relation to the safe and effective management of patients with ASBD. Conclusions: ASBD is a heterogeneous, transnosological set of presentations requiring careful assessment and rational clinical decision making. Treatment protocols arising from an evolving evidence base provide safe and effective pathways for the majority of patients. However, sound clinical knowledge and a careful assessment of each presentation is required to enable the clinician to tailor treatment individually.

Use of Templates for Clinical Documentation in Psychiatric Evaluations—Beneficial or Counterproductive for Residents in Training?

2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Bajgier ◽  
James Bender ◽  
Rose Ries
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Health Care Financing ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Clinical Documentation ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Valid Data

In psychiatry, as in other disciplines, electronic templates are replacing handwritten records to meet health care financing regulations and requirements of third-party payers. We address whether these checklists are helpful for residents, especially those beginning training, in learning the foundational skills of their discipline and in recording a comprehensive set of patient data. An informal survey of our residents suggests that residents find the templates useful, though they have advantages and disadvantages. We also review relevant literature from psychiatry and other fields on the use of electronic templates and pose questions about how we might gauge the usefulness of the templates in residents' training and in obtaining valid data for clinical decision-making.

scholarly journals Cronic Kidney Disease, Life Quality Assessment Of Patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Marsida Duli ◽  
Qamil Dika ◽  
Matilda Bushati
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Important Indicator

Assessing quality of life in patients with varying degrees of chronic kidney disease is an important issue because of its impact on clinical decision-making as increasing the efficiency of resources in the health system. Through this survey provided an attempt to assess the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis. Commitment to maximize their functioning and well-being constitutes the essence of the purpose of health care. In recent decades elaborate SF 36 is cut by a gauge derive so simple and basic that helps to evaluate the function of the target of researchers, a certain age group, a disease or a treatment group. Short questionnaire forms SF36 instrument gauge is used to determine the level of quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure under the different stages of treatment with dialysis. The study involved 206 people, 112 from patients to Tirana and Shkodra and 94 healthy persons, who collaborated consensually for completing the questionnaires. Based on the results, the quality of life of dialysis patients is significantly worse than that of the healthy population and patients with other injuries less severe of renal function. Survey indicates that a more holistic approach to be used in the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease including clinical decision making and patient perception. Precisely for this it is recommended to enter the practice of clinical interest that a set of questionnaires that provide information on patients' perception of health as an important indicator that facilitates the physician-patient collaboration in order to better treatment of the disease and increase the quality the life of the patient.

scholarly journals Investigating the Benefits of Using 3D Camera Technology to Improve Wound Measurements in a Tissue Viability Service: Outcomes of a Pilot Implementation Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
King BM ◽  
◽  
Doyle K ◽  
Kelley J ◽  
Taylor C ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Case Depth ◽  
Continuous Assessment ◽  
Tissue Viability ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Manual Measurement ◽  
Depth Measurement

Sub-optimal experience and outcomes for people with stalled wounds is common. Clinicians have limited methods for reliably and accurately measure wounds. Depth measurement is an important indicator of healing, and digital methods of imaging the wound may offer increased accuracy and enable clinical decision-making. This study aimed to implement a Panasonic FZ-M1 toughpad with WoundCareLite software version 1.5.0.0, to enable three-dimensional measurements in Tissue Viability (TV) service. Length, width, and depth measurement were compared with usual manual measurement using a paper ruler alongside a 2D photographic image. Statistical analysis included the comparison of wound dimension measures and a presentation of visual healing trajectories over 4 weeks using run-charts. 30 patients were recruited over five weeks (13 female and 17 male), representing 4% of the usual caseload. Manual measurement and 3D software automatic method demonstrated that the width and depth 3D auto measures were more accurate than manual measures but depth measures were often wrong thus making volumetric measures inaccurate. Consistent wound size measurement was feasible, and healing trajectories provide a useful means of continuous assessment. Technology guided measurement has potential benefits over manual measurement as a means of more accurately monitoring healing. In this case, depth measurement could not be accurately assessed in practice and further software innovation is indicated to enable outcome measurement in tissue viability services.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document